black94gt50

Did u paint the blank or can you now get colored mud blanks now. I know they offer the white.

Thanks for the help, I believe the navionics would be the way to go. Thanks both of you for the information.

Those look killer for a flipping rod or something throwing big swimbaits and crankbaits. I've never seen those before. I like the foot added to the tube. I'll check those out when I build a bigger bass rod.

Understood, one last question. Do you see the need to purchase the platinum navionics over the premium chip? I see the platinum has 3D capability, which I don't believe I would use much.

Thanks Wayne p, I was actually hoping you would chime in. I know your more hummingbird specific, and from what I understand hummingbird has some good stuff with their lakemaster maps. I figured you has some experience with navionics, and from what I can tell navionics would be the safest bet to go with. The majority of people using them seem to be happy.

I have a hds 9 touch at console and hds 10 at bow, both gen 2. I've searched online and got a lot of good info on these chips, but find it hard to find any specifics on the east maps. I fish mostly east tn. I have found all the lake list and both the chips have all my lakes on them. I have also looked on the navionics site online at the preview of the map for the lake I fish the most, but from my understanding the contour line on the chip are a touch different from the previews they show online. Anyways, what chips have you lowrance guys had good luck with? And which chip is generally considered better for the tva reservoirs in tn? Thanks in advance.

Thanks guys.

Sorry, just noticed I posted this question in wrong part of the forum, mods feel free to move.

New to rod building, what is the go-to micro tip top you builders have the most confidence/success with? Most of my builds will be with alconite guides if Fuji or equivalent if going with another brand. I assume the Fuji bfcat alconite tip top is a solid choice. Will be building bass rods only for right now. Thanks in advance.

I've got the mojo bass 7'4 glass cranking rod. It's perfect for squarebills and smaller mid range cranks. But it's too light for a bigger bodied crankbait. If your gonna throw bigger cranks I wouldn't recommend it. I'm not a huge fan of the ghost and the lack of craftsmanship put into the rods. I looked at a few of the new split grip bass pro cranking sticks the other day and they seem to be a decent rod, maybe something to check into.

Figured it out. Found Fuji pdf catalog explaining the guide part numbers.

Also, don't overthink it. If you like the way the rod feels in your hand, buy it and try it out on the water for a few months. If you like it continue to fish with it, if not, sell it. Just because someone else says it's junk absolutely doesn't mean you won't like the rod. Some of my most used and favorite rods are ones I've gotten on sale for 50$. Just have to try them out and find what suites you the best.

I have two of them. I have the worm and jig rod, and it has been super tough. I also have the spinner bait rod, I don't care much for it. Whatever you do, don't get the microguide ones, stick with the bigger guides. The microguide a they use on the rods are terrible and very weak.

Don't limit yourself to Abu Garcia, they make good stuff and junk, like most other companies. For the price a plueger president is hard to beat.

The reel done well with 3/8 cranks in 10mph winds or so. That's about as light as this reel will see. To be honest I don't fish a lot of super light stuff.

Took new citica I out on water for about 6 hours. I'm using it on my shallow/mid crankbait rod. The reel was a joy to use all day. It will flat out bomb some crankbaits. It's a lot different from the older citica that I have. The reel feel a lot more refined and smooth. I really believe the bearing supported pinion gear makes the reel very smooth on the retrieve. The braking system works very well, and the reel doesn't take a lot of effort to throw a bait a long ways. I kinda wish shimano would put a touch longer handle on these reels, but that's not a big deal really, I could always put a hawgtech on it. I enjoyed using the reel and think that at the price point they are selling at, it's a heck of a reel. Anyone that is thinking of getting a reel in this price range, give the citica a look. I'm pretty happy with the selection of 100-150$ reels on the market right now, there are a lot of good performing "workhorse" reels that will do everything you need them to. I'm not saying the citica is the best reel in the price range, just giving a quick run down of my experience with mine.

I actually bought my father the exact same rod last Christmas. Got it to use with squarebills and shallow cranks. It's an awesome rod. He wanted a duckett ghost,but I went ahead and got the micro magic for him. I've used it a couple times and it's one of the most enjoyable rods to use that I've had my hands on. If I had the dough, I wouldn't mind having a boat full of them.

And like others said, pro qualifier will always be a d**n good bang for the buck, especially when they go on sale for 79.99. That's another reel that I've used for years, and been rough on. Never had issue.

I'd take it back and exchange it. Idk much about the new lfs lews, but I've got a handful of lews from a couple years ago, in all different models, and they all are good reels. If you exchange it and are still unhappy, look on eBay for a tatula, or keep an eye on the flea market for a used citica e. I've used a citica e on my squarebill rod for 3-4 years now and it's a super tough, user friendly reel. It just keeps on going and going.

I have no experience with the bb1 pro, looks like a nice reel. I have a tournament mg, bb1, superduty, And a speed spool ss1. They are all good reels and get the job done just fine. I also have a tatula. I like the lews,but for the price you can get the tatula, it's by far the best feel in the price range.(search Amazon and various tackle stores) Just my opinion. If I wouldve had my tatula and realized how good of a reel it is for the price, I'd probably have 3 more of them at least.

Gotcha, didn't read the tackle tour review yet. Thought the zillion sounded good from tackle warehouse specs. Well if the zillion is not an upgrade at all then, yea that a pricey tatula, lol

I don't see a problem with the new zillion being based on the tatula. I'd go as far as say the tatula is the best reel I've ever bought in the price range you can get them at. It's a strong reel with a great braking system. I Don't see a problem with a upgraded feel on the same platform as the tatula.

Strike king 2.5 squarebill, albino craw color.

I have a lews tournament mg, a couple pro qualifiers, and a couple Diawa lexas, as well as a tatula. My favorite out of all of them is the tatula. It's just got a great braking system and is built tough as hell for the price.